Early Favorites Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic Advance Easily

The top seeds, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic advanced easily through the first round of the Australian Open.

"I don't know who I play. I never look at the draw. I guess her name is Alison. I always try to keep really focused," Williams had said when asked about her first-round opponent.

Williams kept her composure as she beat No. 106 ranked Alison Van Uytvanck from Belgium in straight sets, winning 6-0, 6-4 with 11 aces. Williams won her first Australian Open title in 2003. She went on to win four more titles in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010. Throughout her career, Williams has only lost once during the first round of a major.

Djokovic overcame cold symptoms to defeat No. 116 ranked Aljaz Bedene from Slovenia 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. The win was Djokovic's first grand slam one as a father. Djokovic's wife and son, Stefan, who was born in October, did not make the trip to Australia.

"It hasn't been an ideal couple of weeks in terms of health and preparation," Djokovic commented in regards to missing some of his practices due to a cold. "But I fought my way through. Now it's behind me."

Djokovic won his first Australian Open title in 2008. He then won the title three years in a row from 2011 to 2013.

Defending male champion, Stanislas Wawrinka, who is seeded fourth, sailed through the first round, defeating No. 100-ranked Marsel Ilhan 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. Other next generation players, No.5 Kei Nishikori and No. 8 Milos Ranoic won their matches as well. Veterans Lleyton Hewitt, No. 9 ranked David Ferrer and No. 17 ranked Gael Monfils also advanced to the second round.

On the women's side, two-time Australian Open champion, Victoria Azarenka, who is returning from a foot injury, beat American Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2. Azarenka , who is unseeded, will face U.S. Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki in the second round of play.

Other top seeds, Petra Kvitova, Agnieszka Radwanska and Venus Williams advanced as well. No. 12 Flavia Pennetta, No. 13 Andrea Petkovic and No. 15 Jelena Jankovic, however, were all defeated.

In the third day of the tournament, top seeds Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova, Eugenie Bouchard and more will play.